He scored one league goal as the Tigers headed for relegation, and his English experience came to a premature end when he was sent off against Sunderland in the penultimate match of the season.

He had joined Villarreal from New York Red Bulls in 2008 but spent much of his contract with the Spanish side on loan elsewhere, with Xerez, Hull and then Bursaspor.

The striker agreed a permanent move to AZ in July 2011 and finished his first campaign in Holland with a haul of 22 goals in all competitions before adding 23 goals for the 2012-13 Eredivisie season, helping the club to a first KNVB Cup in 31 years.

Altidore has also scored 17 goals in 60 appearances for his country after making his senior debut in 2007.